COUNCILLORS have decided to not subsidise room hire costs for an organisation which supports people who are living with drug and alcohol addiction in Wellington, after they heard the group had recently been awarded a £5.4-million funding package.

The Somerset Drug & Alcohol Service’s Regain Project is scheduled to use the Kings Arms Community Hub one day a week, every week of the year, to help give local support to those in need.

The Somerset Drug & Alcohol Service (SDAS) has been run since 2014 by Turning Point, a national charity which specialises in providing drug and alcohol support services.

The project organisers asked Wellington Town Council’s community committee on January 19 if it would waiver the £5,120 annual hire cost for the facilities at the Kings Arms.

Although councillors said they are very keen to have the service in the community hub in the High Street, they were instantly put off from funding the room hire costs when they found out that Turning Point had just been awarded £5.4-million from cash-strapped Somerset Council over the next three years to fund its services across the county.

Cllr Mark Lithgow said: “We’re responsible for taxpayers’ money and we have to make sure the Kings Arms washes its face financially.”

Cllr Catherine Govier-Wiggins, committee chairman, said: “It’s important to have them in the hub, but we can’t support them financially.”

Laura Batcha, the council’s community development officer, said: “SDAS is piloting the Regain Project - a wellbeing hub model designed to provide a safe, confidential and welcoming space for health and wellbeing support.

“The service supports anyone in the community who may be experiencing need, vulnerability, or isolation, and works closely with NHS-linked partners and local stakeholders.

“SDAS relies primarily on grant funding to deliver services and doesn’t hold dedicated budgets for venue hire.

“Without subsidy, the service would be unable to operate locally. Subsidising room hire enables delivery of a preventative, early-intervention wellbeing offer in Wellington, strengthening local support networks and reducing pressure on statutory services.”

But although councillors supported SDAS in its services, they decided against subsidising the room hire charges after hearing that Turning Point had only recently been awarded £5.4-million.

The SDAS is keen to help as many people as possible in beating drug and alcohol addiction.

The Regain Project offers free and confidential support for people if they are concerned about their alcohol and other drug use.

A statement on the Turning Point website reads: “We understand that taking the first step can be a daunting one, but know that you are not alone. Our dedicated team of friendly professionals provide free, confidential, and non-judgemental support.

“Our primary goal is to provide you with personalised care to address your specific goals and needs, whether it is to be abstinent, gain back control, or to just improve your quality of life. The SDAS is your local, free to access drug and alcohol service.”

The Turning Point website can be found at www.turning-point.co.uk